The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month
Royal Caribbean sends four cruise ships to Alaska each season, and each ship varies from one another. Although ships in the same class, such as Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, share similarities, they still offer varied dining venues, entertainment, and decor. Speaking of excursions, it isn’t necessary to book excursions through Royal Caribbean. While booking shore excursions on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website is convenient, you might find more options (or lower prices) by booking through independent tour operators. Just as Norwegian Cruise Line kicks off the 2024 Alaska cruise season in April, it’s the last cruise line to set sail in the state, and the only one to sail in October. The seven- and nine-day itineraries sail roundtrip from Seattle, and a recent search found fares more than 80% off published fares, starting at $499 per person.
New To Cruising
In fact, they introduced a generation to the idea of cruising via the hit TV show The Love Boat, which was set on a Princess ship and featured many episodes in Alaska! An Alaska cruise is such a popular bucket-list item because it’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Not only will you get to see breathtaking glaciers closer than you ever dreamed, but you’re also likely to see eagles soaring and whales spouting—often from the deck of your ship. The best Alaska cruises give you an opportunity to explore the Far North from both land and sea, and we’ve got cruise tips to help you optimize your time and your budget. In late June through mid-August, brown bears and moose come out to feed in ponds, lakes, and along rivers.
Travel with AAA
Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the best free and low-cost activities to do in each Alaska cruise port, which should help give you some ideas. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. While the weather in Alaska in June brings out the flowers and even greener scenery, expect mosquitoes to be biting. Alaska temperatures can be unpredictable, so come prepared with the proper wardrobe.
Seabourn Cruise Line
If you have not done so yet, we recommend booking flights as soon as possible. You can also look for a last-minute Alaska cruise deal, though keep in mind that with Alaska's cruise season growing longer, interest in Alaska September cruises is rising. Weather in Alaska in August may keep some cruisers away, but there are still many excursions and experiences to enjoy. If you want to spot herds of caribou, book an Alaska cruise that puts you in range of Denali National Park.
The beginning of September is much like August, but after the kids go back to school and the family crowd departs, it's shoulder season for cruising and pricing drops. Most cruise ships will have repositioned out of the state by the end of the month. You will experience a change of season, with cooler temperatures (in the 50s or lower) and some rain. This month brings the warmest weather of the year, the longest hours of daylight and the largest number of tourists. And for good reason, as July in Alaska is ideal for salmon fishing, culture festivals like the Girdwood Forest Fair, bear viewing and memorable trips into the interior.
Consider the Size of Your Ship if Alaska's Scenery Is Important to You
Choosing to cruise during the dryer months of May and June can help give you a better chance at participating in these weather-dependent excursions, although of course there’s never a guarantee. April and May are also the driest months in Alaska, so the chances of rain are slim. The best time to cruise Alaska isn't obvious—until you're quietly sailing along its calm waters under a cloudless, late-spring sky. Within minutes it seemed everyone on board had gathered at the railings on deck to watch.
May is one of the driest months in the Inside Passage, but you may still find snow on the ground (which is great for scenic photos, but less ideal for hiking). The city has an average high temperature of about 56 degrees Fahrenheit or 14 Celsius in May and September. The average high is about 62 Fahrenheit or 17 Celsius from June through August. It averages more than six inches in June and July and 10 inches in August, according to the National Weather Service. Juneau averages about four inches of rain in June, five inches in July and eight inches in August.
Advantages of Visiting Alaska in August
In addition to the favorable climate and wildlife encounters, summer offers various on-shore activities for cruise ship passengers. Alaska’s port communities, including Ketchikan, Haines, Sitka, Skagway, and Juneau, are buzzing with activity during the summer cruise season. Alaska has something to offer whether you’re an adventure seeker or a history buff. You can embark on thrilling excursions like sea kayaking, hiking, biking, or ziplining, allowing you to immerse yourself in Alaska’s stunning landscapes. If you’re interested in local history, you can explore museums, cultural centers, and native villages to delve into the state’s rich history and native heritage. With extended daylight hours, you’ll have ample time to experience it all.
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To prepare for all conditions, you should plan for temperatures ranging from the 40s to 70s, both on and off ship. For your on-shore day excursions, be sure to pack layers of clothing and rain gear so that you can be comfortable. Proper footwear is also important and be sure to bring hiking shoes if you plan to enjoy outdoor activities. Cruises are typically offered in three-night, seven-night, and even up to 28-night cruises.
Birds also haven’t started their migration, so you can spot both songbirds and seabirds as you cruise along the coast. If you have an exterior room and are sensitive to light while sleeping, a sleeping mask will help you rest during these long days. You’ll also have more hours to look for wildlife from your room window or veranda.
Those who'd prefer man-made experiences can check out honky-tonk at the raucous Red Dog Saloon or dip into any of the microbreweries and distilleries all over town. Cruises through Alaska's gulf also tend to pass through the Inside Passage, with typical stops including Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Some will also call on more off-the-beaten-path ports like Icy Strait Point and Haines. The Inside Passage is a sheltered waterway between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland that extends north to Alaska. It's known for calm waters and excellent scenery (often including Glacier Bay).
Whales, including the majestic humpbacks and orcas, make their way to Alaskan waters during this season. Numerous bird species, some journeying from as far as Antarctica, fill the skies. Bears emerge from hibernation, foraging for berries and roaming the landscape. Glaciers also get in on the summer action, calving massive chunks into the waters below.
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You’re not alone if you’re worried about how cold it gets in Alaska or which month is best to avoid the rain. The weather in Alaska is unpredictable and can change at a moment’s notice. When they’re fully mature, millions take a harrowing upstream journey from the ocean to the rivers where they were born.
Save money to use for shore excursions by opting for an interior room, since you won’t be spending much time in your cabin anyway. On the ship itself, there are lots of spots where you can take some Instagrammable selfies with the majestic Alaska scenery behind you. Consider upgrading to The Retreat, Celebrity’s exclusive ship within a ship, for a more private and intimate cruise.
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